Grand Canyon University Introduces Online Degree Program in Digital Film
Students to learn real-world skills in digital film with emphasis in production or screenwriting

PHOENIX, Nov. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The explosive growth of social media, widespread use of tablets and smartphones, and increasing need for video of every nature are fueling workplace demand for digital film experts. In response, Grand Canyon University's College of Fine Arts and Production has expanded its Bachelor of Arts in Digital Film degree program online with an emphasis in either production or screenwriting.

Classes will begin in January 2013 as part of a 120-credit-hour bachelor's degree program that includes a strong foundation in narrative storytelling and technical skills, along with hands-on training to help students deliver poignant messages in film and video.

"More than ever before, companies are realizing the power of video and they are seeking to leverage this medium," said Gregg Elder, director of GCU's digital film program.

GCU's goal is to teach students not only the fundamentals of film production and narrative techniques, but also provide more specialized skills development in creating video for social media, planning and shooting corporate and how-to videos, and filming live events for mass consumption, Elder said.

Students majoring in digital film with an emphasis in production are immersed in all technical and creative aspects of making a film, while students pursuing the screenwriting emphasis plunge deep into writing and refining the art of storytelling as they mold stories into video.

"There is considerable crossover in curricula to ensure graduates are workplace-ready, as today's digital film jobs often require knowledge of all aspects of writing, directing, shooting and editing," said Elder.

The online curriculum complements GCU's existing ground campus program where students learn the importance of collaboration, business protocols and workplace processes. Students also create demo reels to showcase their digital film skillset to prospective employers.

For more information about these programs, visit www.gcu.edu or call 877-518-7118.

Grand Canyon University was founded in 1949 and is Arizona's premier private Christian university. GCU is regionally accredited and emphasizes individual attention for both traditional undergraduate students and the working professional in seven colleges: the Ken Blanchard College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Nursing, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Theology, the College of Fine Arts and Production, and the College of Doctoral Studies. GCU offers traditional programs on its growing campus, as well as online bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs. The University's curriculum fuses academic and clinical rigor with Christian values to prepare its students to be skilled, caring professionals. For more information about GCU, visit www.gcu.edu.